When 30 became 40 or even 50.

I was reading this tripe on global warming and it got me thinking. We often read predictions like this:

By the time we reach 2050, annual average temperatures are expected to have increased by as much as 3.4C.

…

Whatever we do to reduce our carbon emissions, we will see climate change over the next 50 years.

…

By 2050, the average sea level is expected to rise by about 54cm, increasing the risk of coastal flooding. By 2050 the annual average temperature will have increased by between 1.2C and 3.4C.

Leaving aside all the climate arguments and that there is no reference at all to any credible research or even organisation, what I notice is that we are now looking 40 to 50 years in the future, which I think everyone must agree is a long time and anything can happen.

It reminded be of the dire predictions of the 60's and 70's which something like:

Oil will run out in 30 years

Food will run out 30 years

Whatever the catastrophe it was always 30 years; but here we are 30 years later with plenty of oil and food and no sign of the impending catastrophe. But what's worse is that with increasing life spans more of us remember these predictions and realise just how barmy they were and that those who make them are held in contempt. Could it be that who like scaring us to death in the name of whatever cause they are championing so we will be malleable, realise this and need to protect themselves and so are now choosing 40 and 50 year predictions?

H/T Climate Science